Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood’s sugar levels dip dangerously below normal, causing weakness, anxiety, and even loss of consciousness. In some cases, the individual may begin behaving in an intoxicated manner—slurred speech, reckless movements, garbled phrases.
Hypoglycemia is caused by the body’s overproduction of insulin, which regulates the body’s metabolism of carbohydrates. This is called hyperinsulinism. As insulin levels increase, so does the rate in which glucose is converted to glycogen. This leads to a sudden, and abnormal, drop in sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia can be caused by an accidental overdose on insulin (in the case of people suffering from diabetes) or the body simply forgetting to put on the brakes after an increase in insulin levels. This can occur 3 to 5 hours after taking a carbohydrate-heavy meal. For those prone to hypoglycemia, the condition can be controlled by a change in diet.
Hypoglycemia is purely a physical reaction, but it is frequently misdiagnosed because of the way its symptoms echo some mental disorders such as clinical depression, or psychological issues (including anxiety and recklessness).
Hypoglycemia is rarely fatal except among the severe cases experienced only by those afflicted by diabetics.
Web Resources On Hypoglycemia
NDIC: Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia Symptoms and Treatments
Book Resources On HypoglycemiaHypoglycemia: The Other Sugar Disease by Flegg & Rosedale
Hypoglycemia: A Better Approach by Paavo Airola
|
|
|
